Mr Peace wakes up?

Obama (Finally) Starts Talking Clean Energy in Wake of Gulf Spill

Photo via An Inspiring Voice

Many greens have been wondering when Obama would take the opportunity (as unfortunate as it is) presented by the disastrous BP Gulf spill to make the case for cleaner sources of energy. It seems that the president is finally doing so, touring a solar power plant and giving a speech on the economic benefits and potential for job creation held by renewable energy.

The AP reports:

With the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico calling into question his plans to expand offshore drilling, President Barack Obama looks Wednesday to highlight the benefits of alternative energy sources.

Obama was to tour Solyndra Inc., a solar panel manufacturing facility in northern California, where he also planned to speak to workers about how expanding the clean energy sector can create jobs and aid the nation's economic recovery.

Indeed. But remember, as of now, Obama remains awkwardly committed to expanding offshore drilling as part of his energy strategy. His feeble "moratorium" on further drilling has been largely symbolic, as permits have continued to be issued.

Regardless of the offshore drilling policy -- though it's pretty clear that it needs to be aborted for the time being -- the president does need to put clean energy in the spotlight. Which is what he's doing with Solyndra, a company that used its stimulus money to create 1,000 new jobs while deploying a clean, renewable energy source. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of a broader campaign supporting the Senate climate bill and highlighting the importance of jump-starting a transition to a clean energy economy.

Needless to say, the time for the message is rife.

More on Obama and Clean Energy
Obama Announces New Tax Credits For Green Jobs
One Month Since the BP Oil Rig Explosion -- What's Happened in the World
Obama Ramps Up Clean Energy Investments in 2011 Budget